What is the brains major function?
Each area of the brain has an associated function, although many functions may involve a number of different areas. The cerebellum is the hind part of the brain. It is made up of gray, unmyelinated cells on the exterior and white, myelinated cells in the interior. The cerebellum coordinates muscular movements and, along with the midbrain, monitors posture. It is essential to the control of movement of the human body in space. The brain stem, which incorporates the medulla and the pons, monitors involuntary activities such as breathing and vomiting. The thalamus, which forms the major part of the diencephalon, receives incoming sensory impulses and routes them to the appropriate higher centers. The hypothalamus, occupying the rest of the diencephalon, regulates heartbeat, body temperature, and fluid balance. Above the thalamus extends the corpus callosum, a neuron-rich membrane connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebrum. The cerebrum occupies the topmost portion of the skull. It is